Publishers Weekly
02/06/2023
Former actuary Henri Kosinken, the painfully literal, pathologically rational protagonist of Tuomainen’s hilarious sequel to 2022’s Rabbit Factor, struggles to solve the many problems at YouMeFun, the children’s adventure park he inherited from his deceased brother, Juhani, six months earlier in the previous book. Things are looking up until he’s attacked by masked assailants—and saved by another hooded figure—while making after-hours rounds. The next morning, he walks into his office and finds the charming, hopelessly optimistic, and thoroughly criminally minded Juhani alive and full of new plans to “bring back a bit of creative madness” at the faltering park. Henri is soon entangled in unsavory schemes, blackmail plots, and comically accidental violence, much of which traces back to his incorrigible brother. Henri confronts each challenge, as well as his budding romance with former park manager Laura Helanto, with endearing, exasperating logical deduction. This mix of slapstick and dry wit, ably translated by Hackston, is a refreshing change from the decidedly gloomier crime fiction for which Scandinavia is known. (Apr.)
From the Publisher
"Charming, funny and clever, this is a novel to cheer up anyone who is finding life a little tough." —Literary Review"The Moose Paradox is a fun mystery novel about the surprising dangers of the Finnish adventure park business." —Foreword Reviews "Unlike anything else out there." —The TimesPRAISE FOR RABBIT FACTOR: "Full of refreshing wit and wisdom, this comic departure from the usual Scandi noir is a treat." — Publishers Weekly starred review ‘British readers might think they know what to expect from Nordic noir: a tortured detective, a bleak setting, a brutal crime that shakes a small community. Finnish crime novelist Tuomainen turns all of this on its head … The ear of a giant plastic rabbit becomes a key weapon. It only gets darker and funnier’ —Guardian "Contains all the main elements of a dark crime/comedy mixed with a peculiar love story that is destined to move and engage the audience. Fans of the Finnish author's previous work should definitely read this one and the same goes to all those who love quirky crime novels with unique characterization. I will be eagerly waiting for the second installment in the series." —Tap the Line
'Laconic, thrilling and warmly human. In these uncertain times, what better hero than an actuary?' —Chris Brookmyre
'The funniest writer in Europe, and one of the very finest. There is a beautiful rhythm and poetry to the prose … original and brilliant story-telling' —Helen FitzGerald
"This mix of slapstick and dry wit... is a refreshing change from the decidedly gloomier crime fiction for which Scandinavia is known" — Publishers Weekly
"Delightfully funny" — The Guardian
